Britam Asset Managers has launched two special funds that will give local investors access to global equities and a broader range of local and international assets as Kenya’s investment industry continues to expand.

The Britam Enhanced Global Equities Special Fund and Britam Multi Asset Special Fund were approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in August and are targeting investors seeking long-term growth and greater diversification.

The launch expands Britam’s investment offering beyond local markets at a time when Kenya’s collective investment scheme industry is recording significant growth.

Data from the CMA shows that assets under management in collective investment schemes reached KSh948.7 billion in June, representing a 59.1 per cent increase from a year earlier.

Britam Asset Managers manages more than KSh300 billion in assets, placing it among Kenya’s five largest asset managers. The company also leads the Fixed Income category, with more than KSh55 billion in assets under management as of July.

Tom Gitogo, Group Managing Director and CEO of Britam, said the new funds were designed to give African investors an opportunity to participate directly in the growth of companies operating in global markets.

“Every day, Africans participate in the global economy as consumers, businesses and users of technology created around the world. We believe they should also have the opportunity to become investors in the companies driving that economy, own a stake in their growth and share in the value they create,” said Tom Gitogo, Group Managing Director and CEO of Britam.

Global equities fund

The Britam Enhanced Global Equities Special Fund will give investors exposure to companies and industries shaping global economic growth.

The fund focuses on sectors including technology and artificial intelligence, healthcare and life sciences, energy and the digital economy.

The investment approach provides investors with an avenue to invest in businesses operating in sectors undergoing major changes in technology, healthcare, energy and other parts of the global economy.

Multi-asset fund

The Britam Multi Asset Special Fund, meanwhile, invests across a range of local and global asset classes within a single portfolio.

These include equities, fixed income and commodities, giving investors exposure to different asset classes rather than concentrating investments in a single market or category.

Barack Obatsa, Chief Executive Officer of Britam Asset Managers, said the two funds broaden the investment options available to customers.

“These funds are the next step in widening the choices available to investors as their needs and ambitions evolve,” said Barack Obatsa, Chief Executive Officer of Britam Asset Managers.

“We have built our offering from accessible local investments to a wider range of opportunities, and these funds extend that choice across global markets and asset classes, backed by the research, expertise and risk management of a professional investment manager.”

The launch comes as Kenya’s fund management industry continues to attract more capital, with the growth in collective investment scheme assets increasing the pool of funds available for investment across different asset classes.

For local investors, the two special funds provide additional options for gaining exposure to international markets and diversifying portfolios across equities, fixed income and commodities.

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